Barcelona manager Hansi Flick was recently involved in a fiery confrontation with one of his players after they showed up late for a pre-match team meeting.
Since taking over at the start of the season, Flick has maintained a calm and composed presence on the touchline.
While he is often seen embracing his players after matches, his behind-the-scenes approach is far stricter, as he demands full commitment and discipline from his squad.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Flick’s high standards have led to tense moments within the team, including a heated altercation with defender Jules Koundé before a match against Rayo Vallecano. The report states that Koundé arrived late for a crucial pre-match discussion at the Torre Melina Gran Melia hotel. Flick, who had already gathered the rest of the squad inside, stood by the entrance waiting for Koundé.
Upon his arrival, the German coach allegedly slammed the door and shouted at him before dropping him from the starting lineup to reinforce his authority. In addition, Koundé was reportedly fined for his tardiness.
This was not an isolated incident, as Koundé had previously been late for team events in both October and November. On those occasions, his lateness also resulted in him being excluded from the squad. Following the second occurrence in November, Flick made it clear that punctuality was non-negotiable.
He firmly stated: “When I say 13:30, it is neither 13:29 nor 13:31. Before the game, we have two or three meetings, and it is crucial that all players are present. Arriving on time is not difficult; it’s about respect for your teammates.”
Reiterating his point, Flick added, “Even being a minute late shows a lack of respect for your colleagues.”
Flick’s firm stance on discipline highlights his commitment to maintaining order within the squad, ensuring that every player upholds the standards he has set.
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